The tides this week and through the weekend will be abnormally high and low, due to the nearing new moon phase. The moon was in perigee on Wednesday and is in the new moon phase today.

The tides are created by the gravitational pull of both the sun and moon. The closer the moon, the more pull.

For the remainder of this weekend expect to see tides running higher and lower than normal. Shellfishermen especially, take note: tides will run highest around midday.

A thin crescent moon appears low in the southwestern sky tomorrow night. Very few Vineyarders will be able to see the moon because it will be so close to the horizon. The best view will be from Menemsha Beach, or along the north shore just after sunset. The moon appears between two planets; the bright planet Venus is underneath, while the red planet Mars is above.

But one passing cloud on the horizon can ruin the view.

The crescent moon will be more visible next week, beginning on Sunday night.